Saturday 15th of April 2026, ANZAC DAY Public Holiday

GOVERNMENT OF THE COOK ISLANDS

Labour and Consumer Services

P O Box 98, Rarotonga, Cook Islands * T: (682) 29-370

E: intaff.employment@cookislands.gov.ck  E: consumer.intaff@cookislands.gov.ck

Saturday 25^th of April 2026, ANZAC DAY Public Holiday

The Office of the Prime Minister has confirmed that the ANZAC Day public holiday will be observed on Saturday, 25^th of April 2026.

Unlike most public holidays, ANZAC Day is not moved to a Monday when it falls on a weekend. It is always observed on the 25^th of April, even if this falls on a Saturday or Sunday, and no additional day off is provided.

As ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday this year, employers and employees should be aware of how this may affect them.

Under the Employment Relations Act 2012:

• If Saturday is not your usual working day, you are not entitled to payment for the public holiday.

• If a business that would normally operate on a Saturday chooses to close, employees who would have worked that day must still be paid their normal wages.

• If a business remains open on the public holiday, public holiday pay rules apply. This may include:

  • payment at double time, or

  • payment at normal time plus an additional day off, or

  • payment at normal time plus time off in lieu for the hours worked, to be taken on another day.

Employers and employees are encouraged to discuss and agree on arrangements in advance to avoid any confusion.

If you are unsure about your entitlements or obligations, please REPLY ALL to this email or email directly to Labour Services at intaff.employment@cookislands.gov.ck

Meitaki maata